Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Over the past couple of years, artsPlace has been hard at work examining our internal and external practices and working towards developing a comprehensive strategy to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization for all. 

At artsPlace, we honour and celebrate your uniqueness. Diversity, equity and inclusion practices are a high priority for us as individuals, as a workplace, and as a community organization.

Over the next several years, we commit to developing intercultural competences in our staff and artists, building upon our relationships with diverse community members, and shifting our organizational structures and capacity to increase inclusivity and to best serve diverse populations. We recognize that true systemic change is a long process and are committed to learning, growing and changing as an organization to better serve our Bow Valley community.

Here are some of our most immediate objectives to achieve this goal.

Phase 1 – 2017-Present

Relationship building and cultural learning through the Indigenous Connections Program

Since the program launched in 2017, Indigenous Connections has led to a surge of First Nations programming at artsPlace – from captivating Indigenous works in film, theatre, visual arts, dancing and drumming, to cross-cultural learning programs in Stoney culture, to youth outreach in Morley through the Youth Arts Collective, to artist mentorship through the RISE Emerging Artist Program, and more.

Develop inclusivity programs in partnership with diverse community members, groups, and organizations

Over the past couple of years, we have been building on our relationships with diverse community groups to develop a host of inclusive programming, from theatre events to classes and workshops to outreach programs and more.

One of the highlights of this initiative was the launch of a series of Cultural Learning Circles led by a variety of facilitators, from Stoney Nakoda knowledge-keepers to local community members and partners such as the Bow Valley Settlement Services and Bow Valley Immigration Partnership, to experts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion education. These free online webinars build on our relationships with diverse cultures and encourage an equitable and inclusive community for all.

Phase 2 – 2020-Present

Artist instructor training

We are working directly with our team of artist instructors to provide a variety of opportunities for cultural diversity and sensitivity training.

Staff and Board of Directors training

Our staff and Board of Directors are undertaking a comprehensive, multi-step training to better understand diversity, equity and inclusion.

Increase cultural diversity of artist instructors

We strive to work with a diverse group of artist instructors and are working towards removing or reducing barriers to accessing teaching and career opportunities.

artsPlace is located on the lands of Treaty 7 territory.

We acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, Ktunaxa and Tsuut’ina Nations, who help us steward this land, as well as honour and celebrate this place.

artsPlace is located on the lands of Treaty 7 territory.

We acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, Ktunaxa and Tsuut’ina Nations, who help us steward this land, as well as honour and celebrate this place.

artsPlace is located on the lands of Treaty 7 territory.

We acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, Ktunaxa and Tsuut’ina Nations, who help us steward this land, as well as honour and celebrate this place.